The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has shared the reasons behind his decision not to support Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, during the 2023 general elections.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Wike dismissed Obi’s chances, referring to him as a candidate fueled by internet hype rather than political substance.
“No, he has no chance to win election,” Wike said. “I don’t go to where you see people like this kind of social media candidates. I don’t do social media candidate.”
Wike, who governed Rivers State until 2023, said his political choices are rooted in strategy and realism rather than trends on social media.
“I said I see that as a politician, and I analyse the candidate who is likely to win,” he added.
The FCT Minister emphasized that winning elections in Nigeria involves more than credentials or online support.
“In politics, it’s not always the right that oh, this is the best candidate. No, no, no,” he said. “You see Nigerians today, in politics, so many factors come in.”
Wike also pointed out the challenging environment surrounding the 2023 election, referencing the controversial naira redesign and widespread fuel scarcity.
“It was very very turbulent for Tinubu to get to that election,” he noted. “It is one party administration. You could see people don’t want to speak the truth before that election.”
He commended President Bola Tinubu for navigating the hurdles created under the very government in which he ran for office.
“No party in government would at that time bring some policy when you know you’re running an election,” Wike said. “But everything was done and he survived. He survived it.”
Concluding his remarks, Wike praised Tinubu’s ability to overcome adversity, attributing his success to both divine favor and political savvy.
“So that’s how you know that there are people, first of all, God is on their side. Two, they also know this game. You must give it to them,” he said.
